Forestry

Bachelor of Science in Forestry

Established in 1902, the undergraduate forestry degree at Michigan State University has been recognized as one of the nation's top forestry programs. Additionally, the Bachelor of Science in Forestry is an accredited educational program by the Society of American Foresters.

The goal of the program is to prepare students to address pressing natural resource, environmental and energy issues through coursework in the biological and social sciences. Outside of the classroom, students bolster their education through study abroad programs, independent studies and professional internships.

Internationally-renowned faculty guide students through active learning, preparing them to be leaders and stewards in sustainable forest management.

Control the negative effects of invasive exotic plant and insect species

Enhance biodiversity and alleviate rural poverty through international reforestation

Create urban green space and infrastructure

Where do foresters work?

State Departments of Natural Resources (MI and other states)

US Forest Service

US Bureau of Land Management

Tree care companies

Community non-profits

City forestry organizations

Conservation groups

Peace Corps

Real estate investment trusts

Timber management companies

Forestry consulting firms

Learn through experience

There are numerous opportunities to learn outside the classroom, including field trips, internships, research and study abroad. In fact, MSU offers more study abroad programs than any other public university.

Students also have the chance to learn through teaching. Several local events throughout the year—MSU Museum’s Darwin Discovery Day and the MSU Science Festival—have become great settings for students to demonstrate the role that forests play in our everyday lives.

The MSU Forestry Club—a Society of American Foresters student chapter—sponsors numerous activities, including maple syrup production, forestry skills competitions, camping trips and professional seminars. Visit them on Facebook! - Michigan State Forestry Club

Requirements for the BS in Forestry

Scholarships and the Forests Forever Scholars Program

We have the capacity to award more than $450,000 each year to MSU Forestry students. Scholarship awards range from $2,000 per year to full tuition. For students participating in the Forests Forever Scholars Program, scholarship support is renewable for a total term of four years, contingent on satisfactory academic performance (GPA greater than 3.2) and active participation in Forests Forever activities.

The Forests Forever Scholars Program provides opportunities for leadership development and further learning outside the classroom. All Scholars develop a ‘leadership through service’ project each semester, which provides the opportunity to apply their forestry education in a broader context. Scholars also have the opportunity to participate in leadership training. Our scholars are leaders in the intellectual and social community in the Department of Forestry.